AAA Texas Reminds Olympic-Bound Travelers to Remember Their I-D-P; International Driver Permit Required in Greece

HOUSTON--Aug. 1, 20040, 2004--American travelers headed to the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, must obtain an International Driving Permit (I-D-P) before leaving if they plan to drive a car while in Greece, according to AAA Texas. Greece requires all foreign drivers, who are legally licensed to drive in their home country, to carry an I-D-P.

Only holders of valid driver licenses can purchase an I-D-P. AAA Texas sells I-D-Ps to members and non-members for $10.

"Greece is one of a few countries to require an I-D-P for foreign drivers, but it's a good idea to obtain an I-D-P if you're planning to drive anywhere abroad," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson of AAA Texas. "The Auto Club d'Italia has notified AAA that U.S. drivers must carry either an I-D-P or an Italian translation of their U.S. driver license issued in Italy by the Auto Club d'Italia or the U.S. Consulate."

In addition, AAA strongly recommends that U.S. drivers in Spain carry an I-D-P for translation purposes. Some U.S. motorists, without an I-D-P or an official Spanish translation of their U.S. driver license, have been stopped by police and fined 300 euros, about $360.

"With these new developments it makes sense to obtain an I-D-P before you depart if you are planning to drive while abroad," Rougeau said.

International Driving Permits were authorized in 1949 when the United States, one of 100 countries, signed the United Nations Convention on International Road Traffic. International Driving Permits are available at any AAA Texas office and other AAA locations throughout the U.S.

AAA Texas, an affiliate of AAA National, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas members benefit from the organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial products, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' Web site at www.aaa-texas.com.